Newsom, Seeking Governor's Office, Now Backs High-Speed Rail

An exhibit of the High Speed Rail Authority's planned initial operating line.

Ben Bradford/Capital Public Radio

(AP) - Lt. Gov. Gavin Newsom says he no longer opposes California's $64 billion high-speed rail plan, after withdrawing support for the project more than two years ago.

He told the Sacramento Press Club Wednesday that he would "100 percent" seek a solid funding source for the train project if he's elected governor in 2018.

The San Francisco Democrat says he's been critical of the high-speed rail authority's ever-changing business plan, which includes changing routes and price tags since voters approved selling nearly $10 billion in bonds for it in 2008.

Newsom became the highest-profile Democrat to oppose high-speed rail in 2014 when he told a radio host he would redirect the funding to "other, more pressing infrastructure needs." He said other Democrats felt the same but were unwilling to go public.